I ducked my head and stepped into the cramped, dank room. Pausing to let my eyes adjust to the inky darkness, a hundred beady eyes glared my way.

Distrust and fear seemed to be a prerequisite for entry and I felt a still, small voice checking my motive. I took a deep breath and stepped onto the dingy floor.

I had come for one purpose and intended to exit as quickly as I had come.

Boldly, I brushed past grotesque figures as the smells of smoke and stench filled my lungs. Some held liquor, some held knives, some simply clinched their fists in hatred.

I spotted my friends in the corner and moved briskly toward them. They were coming with me out of this hellish place.

We locked eyes and they both smiled in relief. Dressed to the nines, I was pleased that they looked so fresh in spite of their musty surroundings. I motioned to the door and they quickly stood to follow.

The crowd seemed restless and I avoided eye contact as the three of us wove our way to the door. The incense in the air was oppressive and I held my breath the last several steps. I welcomed the crisp fall air as I escaped into the starry openness of the night.

I was so relieved to make our get-away, I hadn’t noticed that the door had not yet closed. Slithering out with their friends, the whole lot of evil had followed us to my car.

I had only come for Jealousy and Selfish Ambition. Now, it seemed I was taking home much, much more.

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.” (James 3:16).

“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Isn’t it strange how we think that we can pick and choose our sins?

We feel that we can stroke the cat of jealously and yet leave the other “more dangerous” animals sleeping in the corner.

James tells us that this just isn’t so.

Selfishness, in any form, is ugly, wicked, and evil.

When we crack the door for selfishness, we’ve unwittingly invited a multitude of other devilish qualities. Our stubborn friendship with jealousy and ambition secretly invites their family members of hatred, strife, and impurity into our lives.

Have you allowed envy to infiltrate your life?

With your siblings –

Do you feel that another member of your family gets more attention than you?

In your workplace –

Do you feel that someone else is receiving the business or praise that you rightly deserve?

In your love life –

Do you unreasonably restrict your spouse’s involvement with others?

With your friends –

Are you jealous when they make other friendships?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then you have at least cracked the door to jealousy. And if this selfishness exists, your religion is just a covering for fleshliness.

“..those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8).

Spend some time allowing the Father to convict in regard to envy today. Ask Him to create a new spirit of freshness in your relationships.